PHOTOGRAPHY (Edexcel)

Students who opt to take photography develop a means of personal enquiry and expression involving the selection and manipulation of images including digital imagery. Students employ creative approaches in their work, which go beyond mere observation and recording. Students develop skills in all aspects of photographic practice including technical, theoretical and application of elements within creative photography.

AS through to A2 Level photography consists of 4 units, which are as follows:

AS level

Unit 1 - Coursework

The aim of this unit is to ensure that students develop an understanding of the expressive nature of the formal elements within photography and film. The possible range of practices might include: comparing, criticising, describing, collecting, investigating, analysing, evaluating, assimilating, exploring etc.

Students will develop a personal response to a theme. They work sequentially through a series of ideas towards diverse personal outcomes and a well-considered conclusion or conclusions.

Unit 2 - Externally Set Assignment

Students will be given a preparatory period for the controlled test. They are given a theme with possible starting points and are required to develop ideas, research, make connections to other photographic artists and develop a personal, coherent response from the given theme. There is an 8 hour timed element, in school hours, under exam conditions, in which they must produce their outcome.

Students are also required to keep and develop a work journal for each unit throughout the AS course and into A2.

A2 Level

Unit 3 - Coursework

This unit incorporates two linked elements:

a) Practical work in the form of studies and end pieces.
b) Personal study in the form of a written and illustrated dissertation. Students will build on their prior knowledge and experience developed during the AS course and develop a focus of study most suited to them and their own interests in photography. The supporting studies will involve students:
¨ identifying and selecting a focus for personal creative ideas
¨ undertaking investigative and research work appropriate to their focus
¨ selecting and explaining appropriate media and processes
¨ developing, reviewing and refining ideas
¨ realising a personal response

Unit 4 - Externally Set Assignment

Students must submit for assessment unaided work produced under examination conditions in a period of 12 hours. The journal, preparatory work and unaided work in this final unit will show the extent to which they can use the skills and the language of the subject that they have developed throughout the course.

For further syllabus information Click here

Mr N Hodge, BA (Hons) PGCE